Travel with the Twins to Inness in Upstate New York
Getting There:
Kate and her mom hopped a very easy flight from Charleston to LaGuardia. We picked them up at the airport and hit the road for a two-hour-and-15-minute drive due North.
We stopped at Riverview in Cold Spring for lunch along the way– the pizza is worth the stop! And, while in Coldspring, take an hour to stroll Main Street. We managed to shop a lot during our pit stop.
Cold Spring General Store: A great stop where we picked up the prettiest children’s books for our kiddos. It also stocks chic pantry provisions if you’re heading to an upstate AirBnB & need some goodies.
Cold Spring Cheese Shop: Another must-stop for provisions. Plus, you can order their cheese boards online (for any upstate hosts!)
Supplies for Creative Living: No chilly upstate getaway is complete without some arts and crafts by the fire. We stocked up on the most gorgeous (beginner-friendly) watercolor sets which we put to good use at Inness. This shop was stunning – Kate found a cool blue tote bag for her husband and I picked up beautiful block-printed note cards.
Studio Tashtego: For some interiors inspiration– and any vessel obsessive (like myself) –this gallery is a must-stop. They feature super interesting handmade vases, pots, and sculptures by ceramicists from around the globe. I could have spent hours (and lots of money) here.
Staying: Inness
The Inness property spans 220 acres in Accord, NY, and would be a dreamy setting for a wedding or big party. The grounds are designed by the notable Miranda Brooks, featuring tennis courts and a golf course (if you’re so inclined). There’s also hiking, pools, and plenty of wildflowers and wildlife - it’s truly magical.
Kathryn, our mom, and I stayed in one of the 28 cabins (complete with a wood-burning stove, sitting area, and Frette robes). I could have moved in! Kate and her mama stayed in The Farmhouse. The farmhouse has 12 bedrooms upstairs and the most incredible shared spaces– think screened-in porch with a roaring fire, a pool room, a dark-paneled study, a kitchen deserving of Martha or Ina, and a gorgeous honor bar– where we spent so much of our time.
Doing & Shopping:
In addition to painting in front of the fire, playing games (this one!) and reading, we indulged in the incredible spa– complete with a hammam and outdoor plunge pool that’s opening imminently– and took an awesome yoga class. The greenhouse gift shop (aka The Farm Shop) features Astier de Villate ceramics, Saipua soaps, and excellent branded Inness merch – we all came home with sweatshirts (and more!)
Dining:
The food at Inness was incredible. The chef, Gabriel, previously worked at a Brooklyn favorite, Maison Premiere. The cuisine was fresh and sophisticated without being overly complicated or rich, and I’m still thinking about the sourdough toast and salted butter at breakfast. The view from the restaurant was spectacular, as was the marble bar– complete with old farm jugs.
Nearby:
Inness is located in Accord, NY, on the West Side of the Hudson, about 30 minutes southeast of Kingston, and 40 minutes south of Woodstock. There are many excellent upstate guides, but it’s worth mentioning some highlights nearby so you know where to stop during your Inness stay!
To Eat:
We had lunch at Ollie’s Pizza in High Falls and it was delicious. It’s a fun indoor/outdoor setting that I’m sure gets crowded on weekends.
A perennial favorite of ours is Westwind Orchard, with its orchard, farmstand, and dinner menu (we didn’t get a chance to try but will be back for!) that looks divine.
We stopped at Saunderskill Markets for cinnamon donuts and apples. I purchased an apple cake that our kids devoured, and the pumpkins were picturesque:
I’m eager to return in the spring for a tour of The Arrowood Farms distillery. It’s located on a picturesque road near Westwind and produces super small-batch spirits.
Dinner at The Butterfield in Stone Ridge, located at the Hasbrouck House, looks upscale and lovely.
And Darlings Roadhouse in Tillson, which serves Southern food and craft cocktails, looks like a fun spot, especially when there’s live music.
To Do:
Shop at Maple Lawn 1843: Interior Designer Ron Sharkey’s antique and garden emporium in Stone Ridge. I was such a fan of his shop in High Falls, and I can’t wait to visit this spot (only open on weekends!)
While you’re waiting for your table at Ollie’s, browse the shelves at Blue Heron Books, just across the street in High Falls. This gem of a shop is so inviting, I could have curled up there for hours.
Lizzie's Packing List:
1. My husband just bought me these RM Williams boots, and they are perfect for tromping outside but also for pairing with a skirt.
2. On that note, I’m a fan of black boots paired with lighter-colored skirts—like this one from Jil Sander.
4. An Astier de Villatte mushroom, to remind you of your time outdoors.
5. Dress the part in a very chic Alex Mill barn jacket.
6. This little crossbody beauty from Savette is perfect for shopping around all the design shops and farm stands!
7. And these earrings to match!
8. I wore these jeans every day upstate. I love the saturated color and straight fit.
9. We picked up this sweet little watercolor guide and some paints for ultimate relaxation upstate.
10. A horn-button cashmere cardigan goes with literally everything. I’d live in this!
11. And a pullover if that’s more your thing.
12. A favorite handmade necklace that will look fab with any cream sweater you choose.
13. We got this tote for our mama just before we headed upstate, and it was the perfect weekend carryall.
14. The perfect shade of dark red sunnies.
15. Indoor shoes for an evening at the Inness bar.
16. The perfect belt to pull your look together.
17. And a cult-favorite hand salve after all that time outdoors.
